Thousands eligible for little-known Social Welfare payment to upgrade their houses

Thousands of Irish people may unknowingly be eligible for a grant to do up their houses. 

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides free home energy upgrades to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments.

These upgrades help improve the energy efficiency and warmth of your home and are also known as the Warmer Homes Scheme. 

According to Citizens Information, the scheme - which prioritises the oldest and least energy efficient home - covers upgrades including attic insulation, wall insulation, draught-proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, and energy advice. 

New central heating systems and replacement windows are also occasionally covered by the scheme. 

Do I qualify? 

To qualify for this scheme you must meet the following criteria:

• You must own your home and be living in it
• Your home must have been built and occupied before 2006
• Your home must have a BER of C,D,E,F or G 
• You must be getting one of the following social welfare payments: Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance for over 6 months and have a child aged under 7, Disability Allowance for over 6 months and have a child aged under 7, Domiciliary Care Allowance, One Parent Family Payment, Carer's Allowance and you must live with the person you care for

If you don’t have a BER for your home, the SEAI will do a free BER to check that your home meets the qualifying criteria. 

How does the scheme work? 

There are 4 steps to the process: 

• Apply for the scheme online or by completing an application form (pdf) and sending it back to the SEAI. You must ensure you meet the qualifying criteria when applying. You can use the SEAI online portal to check if you qualify.
• Have an SEAI surveyor check your home is suitable for the works and recommend upgrades. The SEAI will do this if you qualify.
• Get the works done by a contractor appointed by the SEAI
• Get the works assessed by the SEAI once the works are completed. This will include a new BER assessment and may involve a quality inspection. 

How do I apply? 

You can apply online, download and complete the application form (pdf), or ask the SEAI to post the form to you. You must meet the qualifying criteria and you need to provide evidence that you qualify for the scheme.

The SEAI will check your eligibility with the DSP.

The process from application to completion of works usually takes between 24 and 26 months, though this may vary. 

What happens after the work is done? 

When the work is completed, the contractor will give you documentation about the work, including any warranties (it is important to keep these safe, as you may need them in the future). 

A BER is carried out on all homes after the works are complete to assess the building’s energy performance; a BER cerficiate and advisory report will be sent to you and will also be published on the SEAI’s national BER register.

Some homes will also be inspected to ensure that the works meet the required standards. 

How much will it cost? 

You will not be charged for work done under this scheme. 

However, if you sell your home within 5 years of getting the work done, you need to tell the SEAI in writing at least 30 days before the property is sold as you may need to repay some or all of the grant.

This is at their discretion.